Top 10 Cocktail Bars and Lounges in Winnipeg

The top 10 cocktail bars and lounges in Winnipeg (Photo: Dinner Series)

A night out doesn’t have to be a full-on affair of dinner, drinks and dancing. In Winnipeg, there is a large selection of excellent cocktail bars and lounges that are perfect for a low-key evening with friends or co-workers in a swanky setting. Here, in no particular order, are our picks for the top cocktail bars and lounges in Winnipeg.

1. G Martini Bar This hip Osborne Village hangout offers dozens of designer martinis that are perfect for a first date or a girls’ night out. Extending the evening to include dinner or snacks can also be fun, thanks to the great Japanese dishes available in the lounge from neighbouring restaurant Meiji Sushi.• G Martini Bar, 454 River Ave., 204-284-3996, meijisushi.ca • Map and reviews

2. Peasant Cookery Lounge Peasant’s charming old world room and bright patio in the Exchange District are regularly packed with young professionals unwinding after a day in the office. The progressive wine menu offers any vintage by the glass for $8. We recommend dropping by early on Wednesdays for the popular buck-a-shuck oyster sessions.• Peasant Cookery Lounge, 100-283 Bannatyne Ave., 204-989-7700, website • Map and reviews

4. Bailey’s A charming traditional British tavern with a twist—this is also a modern sports bar. Not interested in the games on the screen? No bother. Bailey’s also has one of Winnipeg’s most prolific selections of scotch.• Bailey’s, 185 Lombard Ave., 204-944-1180, baileysprimedining.com • Map and reviews

6. The Palm Lounge Located at the Fort Garry Hotel, the Palm Lounge has one the city’s finest ceilings. Under its elegant contours, patrons enjoy live music, flawless service and refined cocktails that won’t soon be forgotten.• The Palm Lounge, Fort Garry Hotel, 222 Broadway, 204-942-8251, fortgarryhotel.com • Map and reviews

7. La Cantina Mona Lisa After dinner at the adjacent family-run Italian restaurant, hit up its associated lounge with Winnipeg’s only pre-paid wine self-sampling system. It allows you to sample a variety of wine by the ounce or glass. This is also the the only spot for by-the-glass Champagne.• Mona Lisa Cantina, 1697 Croydon Ave., 204-488-3687, monalisarestaurant.ca • Map and reviews

8. The Keg—Garry Street The downtown outpost of this popular steakhouse empire is just a short walk from many of Winnipeg’s top hotels. Don’t miss the lush, secluded patio or their signature drink, the Greyhound, which is always made with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and is hands-down the best in town.• The Keg, 115 Garry St., 204-942-7619, kegsteakhouse.com • Map and reviews

9. Rudy’s Eat & Drink This downtown gem has an exquisitely creative cocktail menu. We recommend the Rudy’s Twisted Sister—made with raspberry vodka, peach Schnapps, a splash of lime, finished with cranberry and orange juices. Mod steakhouse offerings like steak frites and braised lamb shank are also on offer in the dining room.

10. Resto Gare Bistro and Train Bar Come to this French Quarter spot to be steeped in history. Resto Gare features a unique railcar lounge as a modern reminder of its building’s train station past. Warm red décor, soft lighting, French edibles and substantial wine list all contribute to the whimsically romantic setting.• Resto Gare and Train Bar, 630 des Meurons St., 204-237-7072, restogare.com • Map and reviews

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